Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Aug 27 (PTI) - Manoj Jarange, the leader of the Maratha reservation movement, is heading to Mumbai with determination as he prepares to launch his planned agitation on August 29 in the Maharashtra capital. Speaking to the press from his hometown of Antarwali Sarathi in Jalna district, the 43-year-old activist assured that his supporters will conduct their protest peacefully and will ensure that no disruptions occur during the ongoing Ganesh festival.
Despite appeals from Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and the ruling BJP coalition on Tuesday, urging him to reconsider the timing of his agitation due to the Ganeshotsav festivities starting on August 27, Jarange remains unwavering. He announced plans to begin an indefinite hunger strike for Maratha reservation in Mumbai from August 29.
“Attempts may be made to provoke us, but our movement will remain peaceful at Azad Maidan in Mumbai. Regardless of how long it takes, our goal is to secure reservation for the Maratha community,” Jarange stated before departing Antarwali Sarathi on Wednesday morning. He emphasized that his supporters will ensure the protest does not cause inconvenience during the Ganesh celebrations.
In anticipation of the protest, hundreds of supporters from Beed, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Jalna, and other districts in the Marathwada region began gathering in Antarwali Sarathi early in the day. Jarange has been pressing for the recognition of all Marathas as Kunbis, placing them in the OBC category, making them eligible for reservations in government jobs and education.
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